Drie gezichten op Hamburg, afgebeeld het nieuwe gemeentehuis, de Jungfernstieg en de Lombardsbrücke en Alsterdamm 1894

Wilhelm Dreesen's "Three Views of Hamburg" is a monochrome photomechanical print, capturing the city's essence through the lens of industrial reproduction. The choice of this printing technique—likely photogravure—is significant. It marks a shift from handcrafted artistry to mass production, mirroring Hamburg's own transformation as a bustling port city. The photographic process itself, reliant on meticulous chemical processes and mechanical precision, mirrors the industrial ethos of the time. Observe how the tonal range captures the textures of the architecture, the bustling street scenes, and the serene waterfront. This wasn't just about documenting a place; it was about employing new technologies to disseminate images widely and efficiently. The very act of reproduction democratized access to art and information. Dreesen’s print embodies a tension between artistic vision and the relentless march of progress. It invites us to consider the social impact of these technologies and their role in shaping our perception of the world around us.